IELTS Task 2 Writing model answer 043

IELTS Task 2 Writing model answer 43

All of the model answers on this site are guaranteed band 9

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Traffic congestion in major cities is an increasing problem, yet there is an environmental impact to be considered when building new roads.

What can be done about this problem?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

It is a well-known fact that of all the animal species on earth, humans are the most environmentally damaging. Traffic pollution is getting worse, yet simply creating more roads (while technically possible) has even more of a negative effect on the land, therefore other possibilities need to be considered.

One of the more obvious solutions to the problem would be to improve public transport and raise the expense of driving personal vehicles. Either by control or by funding, local governments could ensure that public transport becomes the most economical method of commuting to work. In one European country, local governments have pursued this scheme and the results have been so successful that they have actually reduced the number of roads into the city.

Another potential solution is to encourage working from home. The technology is readily available for most of people to do so, and is likely to be popular with a high percentage of employees. The introduction of more flexible working hours is also a possibility that, although not actually leading to fewer cars on the road, would help congestion problems. In many countries, local transport authorities have erected signs that provide information about road conditions, giving drivers the opportunity to find less congested routes to their destination. This system could be improved by more advanced technology in cars themselves.

Regardless of the final solution, it is becoming increasingly clear that traffic pollution is not simply a local issue but a global one, and unless alternative strategies are put into soon the damage may be irreversible.